From the May 29, 2013 issue of The Journal
By Sarah Berlanga
It is not every day that someone runs 260 miles, but the combined team of Jacob Cabos, Chad Prindle, Justin Miller, Dustin Armstrong, Mike Holly, Lieutenant Kohler, Sergeant Swindle, and Corporal Bryant Luvmore did just that this past Memorial Day weekend.
As runners for the annual Run for Heroes, they started in Ft. Stewart, Savannah and ended in Ft. Benning, Columbus, a total of 260 miles to help raise money for House of Heroes. Founded in January of 2000, the House of Heroes is a nonprofit organization whose goal is to serve our nations military and public safety veterans, along with their spouses, who are disabled, living on a fixed income, or facing other physical/financial challenges.
The runners passed through Buena Vista between 1-3 p.m. on Sunday, May 26. Local residents from Marion County Family Connection staff and other volunteers created a check-in point on the lawn of the Marion County Courthouse, where runners signed in, took a well earned break, and enjoyed cut up watermelon, Gatorade and other refreshments.
With eight men in a team, they each run 6 legs consisting of about 30 or more miles.
When asked what he enjoyed about long-distance running, Mike Holly jokingly replied with It’s better than work, right before leaving to finish his leg of the run.
The battalion runs is in remembrance of two fallen comrades and all the other veterans in need of help after their service. Many of the veterans who are helped by the organization are older people who either don’t have the financial means or the physical ability to keep their homes in good condition.
When asked why they do this, the group collectively replied with Anything we can do to help.
Anyone who wants to make a donation – or learn more about House of Heroes – may visit their website at www.houseofheroes.org or dial 706-569-7011. Local residents are also encouraged to contact the organization if they know a needy veteran who needs help with home repairs.